Antibiotic residues in food cause allergic reaction.

A new study has emerged warning about the possible dangers relating to antibiotic residues in food. The research was published in the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology(ACAAI), which documented the sever anaphylactic reaction after eating blueberry pie.

Her allergic reaction was traced back to a streptomycin-contaminated blueberry. Streptomycin is widely used as a pesticide on fruit to combat the growth of bacteria, fungi, and algae.

“As far as we know, this is the first report that links an allergic reaction to fruits treated with antibiotic pesticides,” said allergist Anne Des Roches, MD,FRCP, lead study author. “Certain European countries ban the use of antibiotics for growing foods, but the United States and Canada still allow them for agricultural purposes.”

“This is a very rare allergic reaction,” said allergist James Sublett, MD, ACAAI president-elect. “Nevertheless, it’s something allergists need to be aware of and that emergency room personnel may need to know about in order to help determine where anaphylactic reactions may arise. Anyone who is at risk for a life-threatening allergic reaction should always carry epinephrine. They also need to know how to use their epinephrine in an emergency situation.”

New regulations from the FDA may help reduce antibiotic contaminant in food, although it has not yet been determined who will police the actual presence of antibiotics.

Source

American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Allergic reaction to antibiotic residues in foods? You may have to watch what your fruits and veggies eat.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 3 September 2014.